Need Help?
Older woman looking upset and staring into the distance

Action plan to prevent the abuse of older people ‘an important step forward’, says Commissioner

in News

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:

“The publication of the proposed national action plan to prevent the abuse and neglect of older people in Wales is an important step forward and reflects the growing recognition of the scale and impact of abuse against older people and the need for meaningful action to ensure that, regardless of age, everyone at risk of or experiencing abuse can access the support and services they may need.

“Together with the 30 organisations in my Action Group on Abuse I have set out the areas where change and improvements are needed and I welcome the fact that some of these are reflected in the draft plan.

“The draft plan is important in its recognition of the links between ageism and the abuse of older people and the ways in which wider negative attitudes and assumptions about older people can enable abuse to occur and/or go undetected.

“Whilst there is much within the draft plan that I welcome, there are a number of areas where I think the action proposed could go further, and there is currently little detail in terms of timescales for delivery.

I will be providing a detailed response to the Welsh Government’s consultation, which is open until 17 October, and I would urge older people who have experienced abuse, or know someone who has, to also respond to ensure that their voices are heard and their experiences can be used to help ensure that the action delivered is as impactful as possible.”

Respond to the Welsh Government's consultation

Need to talk to someone? Email us or message us